Rowreach
Adjusting my sails
Where did you go?
Question for my "other side of the pond" friends re: MIPS helmets
- Thread starter BunnyDog
- Start date
Where did you go?
Fleece Navidad
Well-Known Member
Hoofprints, so probably a bit much of a drive unless you were down this way?
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
teapot
Well-Known Member
Interesting as I have a finished harness and it can be adjusted with strings at the back...
Hopefully as tech improves it'll all come together!
Fleece Navidad
Well-Known Member
Thanks, will have a look when my phone charges ?
bouncing_ball
Well-Known Member
This is a cycling article but interesting-
https://pelotonmagazine.com/gear/mips-the-reality-behind-making-helmets-safer/
https://pelotonmagazine.com/gear/mips-the-reality-behind-making-helmets-safer/
Fleece Navidad
Well-Known Member
We have a wobble! ?
(I think wobble is a confusing description though as it makes it sound like it jiggles around all the time...maybe that's just me though...and now I'm trying to find a word that sums it up without being confusing)
Barlow
Well-Known Member
Just adding my experience here: In 2019 I had a CO MIPS hat fitted to me at Badminton. I was really keen on the tech but unfortunately the hat effectively fell apart. I think the heat from my head caused the glue to melt and the liner fell apart. CO were good about it and sent me some more glue dots to try but I lost confidence in the hat.
Last month I bought the UVEX exxential with MIPS. It’s my first Uvex hat, and my second with a dial fit. It’s early days but I have to say I love it and the fit is perfect for me (much better than the champion that I was wearing up until recently). But yes I would have preferred a navy blue version…!
Last month I bought the UVEX exxential with MIPS. It’s my first Uvex hat, and my second with a dial fit. It’s early days but I have to say I love it and the fit is perfect for me (much better than the champion that I was wearing up until recently). But yes I would have preferred a navy blue version…!
bouncing_ball
Well-Known Member
It sounds like maybe as navy blue available in US it will come to U.K. eventually ???
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
Fwiw we've seen that a bit here. Thoughts are it was a bad batch and CO has replaced those with the owners.
So glad you like the UVEX! It's a neat helmet.
Em
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
I've messaged my UVEX rep to see what she knows about the availability of Blue in your part of the world.
Stay tuned!
Em
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
So I cannot (upon very brief looking over on my phone) see a date when this was published. I recall reading it before but sadly lack the of hypermythesia keeps me from remembering when.
So the study at Virginia Tech IS (in its goal) going to identify and assign a rating by helmet to the equestrian helmets tested.
They have already done bicycle helmets as well. So yes we do now have scientists who are researching for the goal to demonstrate which helmets test best for safety.
Here are the bicycle test results. I recommend clicking on some as the results are really interesting.
https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
Em
Bonnie Allie
Well-Known Member
Thanks so much for this thread and for your FB group.
Ive purchased my new MIPS Uvex today which was considerably cheaper than its Mips and non-Mips competitors in Aussie, and more adjustable as well as lighter/breathable for our stinking hot weather.
I did ask the sales assistant why someone would buy a non-Mips helmet at 4x the price? Her response? Sparkles and fashion!
Mips not really being promoted in Aussie for equestrian. We only made the decision to pursue this in an equestrian helmet as our motorcycle and ski helmets have Mips.
Ive purchased my new MIPS Uvex today which was considerably cheaper than its Mips and non-Mips competitors in Aussie, and more adjustable as well as lighter/breathable for our stinking hot weather.
I did ask the sales assistant why someone would buy a non-Mips helmet at 4x the price? Her response? Sparkles and fashion!
Mips not really being promoted in Aussie for equestrian. We only made the decision to pursue this in an equestrian helmet as our motorcycle and ski helmets have Mips.
KEK
Well-Known Member
Agree with the above. No one here seems to have heard of it, and I only had due to this forum. Also bought the Uvex MIPS and really like it.
Even my instructor/ponies trainer hasn't heard of MIPS since she is a top SJ competitor. I am trying to help spread the word..
Even my instructor/ponies trainer hasn't heard of MIPS since she is a top SJ competitor. I am trying to help spread the word..
Cragrat
Well-Known Member
So, I dived down the MIPS rabbit hole 
I have always bought 4 Star helmets since they came out, because I beleived they offered the best possible protection. So this MIPS is new to me - I'd heard of it, but the helemts didn't meet many safety standards, so I discounted them as fashion trend!
I found this article just now:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/debate-helmet-safety-system-hh-vip-663286
In particular this bit:
"‘Unfair bias’
Some experts have argued that the Folksam study is unfairly biased towards rotational impacts, as the equations it used doubled the significance of this in testing.
It did not use a test headform with a “scalp” — the method the human body has already evolved to reduce rotational forces to the skull, or take into account the full spectrum of forces riding helmets need to cater for, including penetrative and crush impacts.
Others have disagreed with the insinuation that only MIPS protects well against concussion"
What are peoples thoughts on this? I was trying to think of the falls I have had, in particular those where I hit my head. I think I tend to fall as in the photo at the top of the artcile - quite often my body hits first, then my head might bounce of the ground - which gives a more vertical impact. I am lucky not to have been lawn-darted head first to the ground / jump - yet! I have had my head trodden on once, after being knocked off sideaways by a branch. In the article doubt is raised whether MIPS will improve safety in horse riding as much as it has in other sports, because of the different types of falls.
So now I don't know whether to stick to my 4 Star, or move to the MIPS. MIPS is cheaper, but I'm not yet convinced it is better.
I have always bought 4 Star helmets since they came out, because I beleived they offered the best possible protection. So this MIPS is new to me - I'd heard of it, but the helemts didn't meet many safety standards, so I discounted them as fashion trend!
I found this article just now:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/debate-helmet-safety-system-hh-vip-663286
In particular this bit:
"‘Unfair bias’
Some experts have argued that the Folksam study is unfairly biased towards rotational impacts, as the equations it used doubled the significance of this in testing.
It did not use a test headform with a “scalp” — the method the human body has already evolved to reduce rotational forces to the skull, or take into account the full spectrum of forces riding helmets need to cater for, including penetrative and crush impacts.
Others have disagreed with the insinuation that only MIPS protects well against concussion"
What are peoples thoughts on this? I was trying to think of the falls I have had, in particular those where I hit my head. I think I tend to fall as in the photo at the top of the artcile - quite often my body hits first, then my head might bounce of the ground - which gives a more vertical impact. I am lucky not to have been lawn-darted head first to the ground / jump - yet! I have had my head trodden on once, after being knocked off sideaways by a branch. In the article doubt is raised whether MIPS will improve safety in horse riding as much as it has in other sports, because of the different types of falls.
So now I don't know whether to stick to my 4 Star, or move to the MIPS. MIPS is cheaper, but I'm not yet convinced it is better.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I am always confused why anyone thinks a fall from a bike going full speed down the same tracks I ride on a horse are less damaging. I wear mountain bike helmets in summer and my new one arriving soon is MIPS. And incidentally less than 1/4 of the price of any MIPS horse riding hat I can find as it's last season and an out of date colour.
.
.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
I have a friend who rides a mountain bike she has had some nasty falls .
Buy the best hat you can .
Buy the best hat you can .
phizz4
Well-Known Member
Firstly, I have a UVEX helmet in navy blue, I'm in the UK. Sourced from Germany, possibly 'Horze'?
On the MIPS question, this technology has been in the climbing helmet world for a little while and the cycling world for longer and it's value is still being debated. It's value depends to a great extent on the nature of the fall/impact on the helmet. In climbing helmets protect from hitting the rock or ground which can cause rotational impacts, so in theory MIPS would be effective. They also protect from impact of falling rocks which, again, MIPS should help with. I would expect cycling helmets to do the same. I wouldn't expect MIPS to be so effective at protecting from crush impact (horse falling on rider's head or stepping on the head). For me, as a 'happy hacker', the most likely impact is if I fall off on the road or a track, so MIPS should help. The key thing for me when choosing my helmet was fit and comfort, not MIPS. My wife has the MIPS version of the UVEX and, to be honest, I can't really tell the difference.
On the MIPS question, this technology has been in the climbing helmet world for a little while and the cycling world for longer and it's value is still being debated. It's value depends to a great extent on the nature of the fall/impact on the helmet. In climbing helmets protect from hitting the rock or ground which can cause rotational impacts, so in theory MIPS would be effective. They also protect from impact of falling rocks which, again, MIPS should help with. I would expect cycling helmets to do the same. I wouldn't expect MIPS to be so effective at protecting from crush impact (horse falling on rider's head or stepping on the head). For me, as a 'happy hacker', the most likely impact is if I fall off on the road or a track, so MIPS should help. The key thing for me when choosing my helmet was fit and comfort, not MIPS. My wife has the MIPS version of the UVEX and, to be honest, I can't really tell the difference.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
It isn't really an issue whether MIPS is effective in other types of falls or not, only that it isn't LESS effective because of MIPS.
As long as it makes some falls safer and none less safe, it's a better helmet to buy, surely?
As long as it makes some falls safer and none less safe, it's a better helmet to buy, surely?
Cragrat
Well-Known Member
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
@Cragrat
A lot of folks weren't sure what to make of the first Folksam test with the Back on Track MIPS helmets.
Subsequently we have had more tests done by them and the results are consistent that mostly the MIPS equipped helmets, now regardless of brand, are faring better. And among other sports such as cycling and skiing this is holding true in the majority of their testing as well. And thankfully the testing for mainstream sports like cycling and snow sports and motor sports is more easily attainable and done because worldwide there are FAR more participants.
We're 4 years on from that article and while I am sure it is a bit obvious now, helmet brands and science are at least acknowledging what @ycbm said. As long as MIPS is not "lessening" your head protection, it's worth the added protection. That's why there are now 7 brands and 15 models.
SNELL testing isn't exactly widespread in the equestrian world. I had some questions about the specifics there and I will endeavor to get those queries answered so I can at least speak a bit more knowledgeably about them. (Stay tuned)
@phizz4 Your helmet likely doesn't have MIPS> Since my Uvex rep says it won't be available in blue (WITH Mips) in the EU until this coming June. Also a good helmet should feel good on your head. Not sure what kind of a difference you were wanting to feel? Maybe we need them to make one of the LED light up helmets with yellow lights to signal that you're in a MIPS?
https://www.horze.eu/riding-hats-helmets/uvex-exxential-ii-led-riding-helmet/333916.html?color=ANT
Also just a reminder that Champion also has a non-Mips, quadruple certified helmet out there as well. It's not only the CO 4 Star.
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Cha...ll_Skull_Cap_Riding_Helmet/descpage-CXAD.html
Em
(FWIW, I'm at work so will be a touch slow to reply today)
A lot of folks weren't sure what to make of the first Folksam test with the Back on Track MIPS helmets.
Subsequently we have had more tests done by them and the results are consistent that mostly the MIPS equipped helmets, now regardless of brand, are faring better. And among other sports such as cycling and skiing this is holding true in the majority of their testing as well. And thankfully the testing for mainstream sports like cycling and snow sports and motor sports is more easily attainable and done because worldwide there are FAR more participants.
We're 4 years on from that article and while I am sure it is a bit obvious now, helmet brands and science are at least acknowledging what @ycbm said. As long as MIPS is not "lessening" your head protection, it's worth the added protection. That's why there are now 7 brands and 15 models.
SNELL testing isn't exactly widespread in the equestrian world. I had some questions about the specifics there and I will endeavor to get those queries answered so I can at least speak a bit more knowledgeably about them. (Stay tuned)
@phizz4 Your helmet likely doesn't have MIPS> Since my Uvex rep says it won't be available in blue (WITH Mips) in the EU until this coming June. Also a good helmet should feel good on your head. Not sure what kind of a difference you were wanting to feel? Maybe we need them to make one of the LED light up helmets with yellow lights to signal that you're in a MIPS?
https://www.horze.eu/riding-hats-helmets/uvex-exxential-ii-led-riding-helmet/333916.html?color=ANT
Also just a reminder that Champion also has a non-Mips, quadruple certified helmet out there as well. It's not only the CO 4 Star.
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Cha...ll_Skull_Cap_Riding_Helmet/descpage-CXAD.html
Em
(FWIW, I'm at work so will be a touch slow to reply today)
Mule
Well-Known Member
No helmets prevent concussions. All they can do is prevent skull fractures. Concussions are caused when the brain hits off the inside of the skull. The cerebral fluid that surrounds our brain works as a cushion. Nothing we put on the outside of the head can do the same job.So, I dived down the MIPS rabbit hole
I have always bought 4 Star helmets since they came out, because I beleived they offered the best possible protection. So this MIPS is new to me - I'd heard of it, but the helemts didn't meet many safety standards, so I discounted them as fashion trend!
I found this article just now:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/debate-helmet-safety-system-hh-vip-663286
In particular this bit:
"‘Unfair bias’
Some experts have argued that the Folksam study is unfairly biased towards rotational impacts, as the equations it used doubled the significance of this in testing.
It did not use a test headform with a “scalp” — the method the human body has already evolved to reduce rotational forces to the skull, or take into account the full spectrum of forces riding helmets need to cater for, including penetrative and crush impacts.
Others have disagreed with the insinuation that only MIPS protects well against concussion"
What are peoples thoughts on this? I was trying to think of the falls I have had, in particular those where I hit my head. I think I tend to fall as in the photo at the top of the artcile - quite often my body hits first, then my head might bounce of the ground - which gives a more vertical impact. I am lucky not to have been lawn-darted head first to the ground / jump - yet! I have had my head trodden on once, after being knocked off sideaways by a branch. In the article doubt is raised whether MIPS will improve safety in horse riding as much as it has in other sports, because of the different types of falls.
So now I don't know whether to stick to my 4 Star, or move to the MIPS. MIPS is cheaper, but I'm not yet convinced it is better.
BunnyDog
Well-Known Member
Actually that's not true.
MIPS itself is made to Mimic how the brain's protection systems work. It has been proven to reduce concussions (And I have lived it a couple times) and it can help significantly cut down the damaging rotational forces in a fall to the head. That's why MIPS has been around so long and exists in so many different helmets for different sports and such.
I highly recommend reading through the mipsprotection.com website and related other platforms (IG, Fb, Etc)
Emily